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When we talk about fractions with like denominators, we are focusing on fractions that have the same bottom number.
This bottom number is called the denominator.
For example, in the fractions \(\frac{8}{11}\) and \(\frac{6}{11}\), the denominator is 11 in both cases.
This makes it much simpler to perform operations like addition or subtraction.
Think of the denominator as splitting something into equal parts.
Since both fractions have the same number of equal parts, we only need to work with the numerators (the top numbers) when subtracting or adding.
In the given exercise, subtracting \(\frac{8}{11}\) and \(\frac{6}{11}\) is straightforward because both fractions are divided into the same number of equal parts.

Subtracting fractions with like denominators is almost like subtracting whole numbers, but easier!
Because the denominators are the same, you only subtract the numerators.
Here's a simple way to remember:

• Keep the denominator the same
• Subtract the numerators

For example, in the fractions \(\frac{8}{11}\) and \(\frac{6}{11}\), subtract 6 from 8 to get 2.
So the operation looks like this: \(\frac{8}{11} - \frac{6}{11} = \frac{8-6}{11} = \frac{2}{11}\).
Easy, right? The key point here is that only the numerators are subtracted while the denominator stays unchanged.

Sometimes after subtracting fractions, you may need to simplify the result.
Simplifying fractions means reducing them to their smallest form.
This involves finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator.
However, in the given example \(\frac{2}{11}\), the fraction is already in its simplest form since 2 and 11 have no common divisors other than 1.
Here's a quick way to check if your fraction is simplified:

• If both the numerator and the denominator are only divisible by 1, then it's simplified.
• If they're divisible by a number greater than 1, divide both by that number.

In our case, since 2 and 11 don't share any common factors, \(\frac{2}{11}\) is already as simple as it can be.
No further work needed, and you're done!